Final answer:
The historical context of graffiti in film focuses on 'Style Wars' and 'Wild Style' as influential graffiti films, which inspired artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and impacted the global art culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two early graffiti films that have been credited for inspiring local artists are not mentioned explicitly in the provided text, but based on historical context, films such as “Style Wars” (1983) and “Wild Style” (1983) are commonly acknowledged as influential in the rise of graffiti art culture. These films documented the emerging hip-hop culture in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In the context of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a noted graffiti artist from that era, the impact of movies like these contributed to the visibility and popularity of graffiti as an art form, reaching artists and audiences alike and inspiring a wave of artistic creativity.
Graffiti, as an act of resistance, has been a powerful medium of self-expression and social commentary throughout its history, blossoming into a global phenomenon with artists like Basquiat and Banksy at its forefront. Banksy, another prolific name in graffiti, continued this tradition much later, imbuing his work with social and cultural critique. Graffiti continues to evolve, reflecting the voices and narratives of urban life and pushing the boundaries of traditional art.